2020 NFL Draft: 5 wide receivers 49ers may target

One of the other players Matt Miller tabbed as potentially a great fit for the 49ers is Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk. There was another name, too, Colorado’s Laviska Shenault. But it doesn’t seem likely Shenault would fall to San Francisco at the very tail end of Round 1, barring a complete meltdown at the NFL Scouting Combine this spring.

San Francisco 49ers

Aiyuk, however, isn’t quite as heralded as Shenault, likely due to the fact the latter has done so much more in Colorado’s offense.

Still, that doesn’t change the fact the 6-foot-1, 206-pound Aiyuk looks to be the prototypical wide receiver for Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Just ask Miller:

"He’s a silky-smooth operator with exceptional after-the-catch moves. Many might not remember just how dominant Sammy Watkins was at Clemson, but he was impressive enough to be the No. 4 pick in 2014. That proved to be a reach, but Aiyuk gives off similar vibes as a weapon. Imagine a guy like that in a Kyle Shanahan or Sean Payton offense as the No. 2 option? It’s unfair."

Aiyuk has excellent route-running abilities and creates yards after the catch on nearly every reception — both essential pieces to success in Shanahan’s offense.

Those traits allowed him to net in 1,192 receiving yards for the Sun Devils, along with eight touchdown grabs this season. So if the 49ers are looking to go wide receiver first in the draft, Aiyuk could easily be the target.

The 2020 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23 from Las Vegas, Nevada.